MICROCIRCULATION

Abstract

In this chapter, we give a brief overview of the structural and functional aspects of the microcirculation with particular interest in the rheology of microcirculation. A summary of the up-to-date methodology for dynamic observation and quantification of microcirculatory characteristics and hemorheological changes is also given. A special emphasis is put on the applicability of the diverse methodological approaches in different experimental models and human diseases. Finally, we provide highlights of the key findings of vasoregulatory and inflammatory microcirculatory changes as well as rheological alterations seen in local and systemic circulatory disorders in clinicallyrelevant animal models of human diseases.